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Post by desertwoman on May 3, 2015 21:20:17 GMT -5
There's an asparagus beetle (says she who has never grown asparagus)????
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Post by octave on May 3, 2015 22:21:04 GMT -5
I was wondering the same thing desertwoman said... ?!?
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Post by James on May 3, 2015 23:33:10 GMT -5
"I saw my first asparagus beetle today!"
Please don't send those beetles this way!
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Post by brownrexx on May 4, 2015 7:54:57 GMT -5
There's an asparagus beetle (says she who has never grown asparagus)???? Yes there are 2 kinds, the common asparagus beetle which is what I saw yesterday and the spotted asparagus beetle. If you see spears bent over like a shepherds crook (there is one in LA's picture in the cooking thread) then that is a sign that the common asparagus beetle took a few bites out of the spear as it was growing. The spotted asparagus beetle bores into the berries of female plants and lays eggs which is another reason that I grow an all male variety. The beetles overwinter in garden debris which is why I remove the asparagus fronds from the garden in the fall but I still get some beetles. Here is an article with some pics: www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/asparagus-beetle-organic-control-zw0z1301zkin.aspx
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Post by octave on May 4, 2015 9:45:58 GMT -5
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canadiyank
Blooming
Central WA, Zone 6B
Posts: 125
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Post by canadiyank on May 5, 2015 15:45:39 GMT -5
I planted mine 2 yrs ago (2 yr old crowns) and a bunch came up last year but I didn't harvest any. This year a teeny tiny spear came up then fell over at about 4" tall. Doesn't seem like anything is happening. I wonder if they all died? :(
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Post by brownrexx on May 5, 2015 16:53:17 GMT -5
Is it still cold where you are? I am only on my 3rd picking and one or two plants have not produced any spears yet so there's still hope for yours.
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Post by lisaann on May 5, 2015 19:35:48 GMT -5
I am losing my mind on all the spears. I can't keep up. Just did 2 more pounds of cut and chopped and blanched and frozen for soup later.
I did save the spear TIPS and am adding them to supper tonight. Late supper tonight.
These things are relentless.
And, in case anyone is actually reading these threads:
I am NOT cutting the spears. I am BREAKING them off. They BREAK where they are tender.
Just my CHAT and WISDOM for the evening!
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Post by claude on May 5, 2015 19:51:53 GMT -5
I have a 25'+ row of asparagus. We've been harvesting a good size handful for the last week now. We like to put some evoo salt and pepper on it and grill it. The ferns grow 4-6 ft tall after the finish..it's nice to put some flowers in front of the ferns...it just looks lovely. I grow tall zinnias in front. I just love the way that they look! The skinny spears seem woody to me...like the want to become ferns. I love the big ones. I filled a gal bag half full for my brother and he ate them all raw before we got to where we were going!..lol
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Post by mrsk on May 5, 2015 21:24:07 GMT -5
Well I have had mine in the ground for 9 days, and nada so far. But we have really chilled off. I planted the stawberry plants the same day, and they are beginning to leaf, and finally the onion plants are looking a bit like they might live. There is nothing happening with the grape vine.
I did dig out the area, added dried manure, and some soil on top of that, and planted. Waiting for something to show up, so I can top it with more soil.
Hoping no beetles.
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Post by claude on May 6, 2015 7:03:39 GMT -5
It takes a while for the plants to appear to be taking. Be patient.
I remember being surprised at how pretty asparagus beetles were....the iridescence of their backs..
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Post by brownrexx on May 6, 2015 8:23:02 GMT -5
They really are pretty and I feel bad squishing them. I can see their metallic shine as I walk up to the patch. Since I have been hand picking twice a day I am seeing only a few per day now. I saw 12 of them the second day but yesterday I only got 2.
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liz1
Sprout
Posts: 17
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Post by liz1 on May 6, 2015 9:33:11 GMT -5
So happy to find an asparagus thread!!
Harvesting question #1: I planted asparagus last year about this time. Didn't harvest anything. Now there are some really tempting-looking spears showing up. Should it be ok to harvest some of these, or do I leave them where they are and wait another season?
Harvesting question #2: Is there a special way to cut them? Like do you have to hold your mouth a certain way or something? ;) No, seriously. Seems like I remember hearing that one should cut below the soil line. Is that necessary or did I make it up?
Thanks!
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Post by brownrexx on May 6, 2015 11:09:13 GMT -5
The instructions that came with my Jersey Knight roots says that you can harvest for 7-10 days the first year after planting but definitely stop if spears start to get spindly, 4 weeks the following year and then the full 8 week harvest the year after that.
Old school growers say to harvest nothing the first year but I did an my bed is doing really well.
Do not cut below the soil line because it can injure unseen emerging spears. Most people suggest bending the spear and it will break where the tender area joins the tougher woody area. HOWEVER, my spears are so tender that they do not like to break so I have been using pruners to cut AT the soil line and have had good results.
Enjoy your spears. They are always good but the first harvest is especially satisfying.
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Post by claude on May 6, 2015 12:45:07 GMT -5
Me too. I'm more afraid of damaging as I try to snap them off so I cut too. Idk maybe I just need to get the hang of it?
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